Corporate/M&A: California

THE FIRM This firm is rated for its focus on private equity and corporate M&A in the biotech, life sciences and financial services domains. With offices in Los Angeles, Orange County and Palo Alto, the group has built an impressive client list, and recently represented Platinum Equity and Tom Gores in the acquisition of the Detroit Pistons basketball franchise.

Sources say: "What drives our relationship is senior experience and focus. They know what we want." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Key contacts include Jim Loss and Los Angeles office managing partner Richard Welch.

THE FIRM This firm is singled out for its venture capital work. Cooley's California corporate group operates out of San Diego, San Francisco and Palo Alto and is distinguished by its dynamic emerging companies practice, advising clients in all sectors, including software and IT, life sciences and cleantech. Notable highlights include advising Compellent Technologies on its $960 million sale to Dell.

Sources say: "The team handles big transactions and is great at helping technology startups understand their environment and positioning."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The firm's venture capital practice is led by Craig Dauchy, who is described as a "very good, helpful and responsive attorney." 

Mark Tanoury acts from Palo Alto, where he specializes in the formation and financing of emerging growth companies and venture capital partnerships. His practice covers public offerings and M&A.

In San Diego, Fred Muto "is very skilled and turns technical legal points into business advice," sources say. He recently represented Genoptix in its sale to Novartis.

Jennifer Fonner DiNucci is based in Palo Alto, where sources highlight her expertise in the biotech space. Clients say: "She comes up with creative solutions to problems." Work highlights include advising Dionex on its $2.1 billion sale to Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Practice group chair Barbara Borden represented Clinical Data in a $1.3 billion acquisition deal with Forest Laboratories.

David Hernand arrives to the firm from Gibson Dunn and continues his focus on media, entertainment and technology. Clients comment: "He has a strong command of critical issues and knows how to get our points across."

THE FIRM Davis Polk maintains its well-earned reputation in Northern California, and is recognized for its involvement in a number of significant deals in a difficult financial climate. The corporate team acts for a string of high-profile clients including Oracle, Vector Capital and Symantec. Notably, the firm advised the special committee of the board of GSI Commerce with respect to its $2.4 billion acquisition by eBay.

Sources say: "A superb firm in corporate M&A."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The highly regarded William Kelly is the founder of the firm's Menlo Park office. He is described as a "terrific attorney" who is a "force in M&A." Recent highlights include advising Oracle on its $1 billion acquisition of Art Technology Group.

Alan Denenberg is the head of the Menlo Park office. Clients praise his legal skills and prowess and describe him as "very practical with a high degree of contextual awareness."

THE FIRM DLA Piper has offices in both San Diego and San Francisco and enjoys an ever-growing international presence. In California, the corporate M&A group maintains a strong focus on the technology and life sciences sectors. Notably, the firm represented Groupon with respect to an attempted takeover by Google.

Sources say: "They have a wide geographic spread and strong subject matter expertise - this means a lot to us as a global business."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Curtis Mo is based in Silicon Valley and specializes in venture capital and Asian deals. He is described as "a dynamic individual who has his finger on the pulse of the industry."

Practice cochair Jay Rains divides his time between San Diego and Silicon Valley. He led the corporate team on Qualcomm's $3.1 billion acquisition of Atheros Communications.

Henry Lesser advised Cowen & Company as financial adviser to Gmarket of Korea with respect to its $1.2 billion merger with Internet Auction.

THE FIRM With offices in Silicon Valley and San Francisco, this top firm is rated for its leading technology transactions practice and is well known for its representation of investors in venture capital deals. It advises a host of prominent clients, such as Facebook, Twitter and Cisco Systems. Other notable work includes representing Diamond Foods in its $2.35 billion acquisition of Procter & Gamble's Pringles brand.

Sources say: "They do a great job in the social media space."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gordon Davidson is regarded as a fixture in the California corporate community, and comes highly recommended for his expertise in high technology, clean technology and life sciences transactions. Highlights include advising on the $545 million acquisition of Diapers.com by Amazon.com.

Mark Stevens is "easy to deal with and has a good, practical approach," sources say. His practice covers electronic gaming law and he recently represented a California-based video game publisher in its $403 million acquisition by a Japanese mobile software and gaming company. 

Barry Kramer represents venture capital funds and a wide range of technology and life science companies. He acted for Asthmatx on its $443 million acquisition by Boston Scientific.

Based in San Francisco, Douglas Cogen cochairs the firm's M&A group. He represented ArcSight in its $1.5 billion acquisition by Hewlett-Packard.

THE FIRM This firm is commended for its exceptional corporate scope and has one of the strongest M&A teams in the market. With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palo Alto, the group also has a strong offering in the venture capital and private equity domains.  A 2011 highlight was acting for Paulson & Co on the $3.9 billion acquisition of Extended Stay by a group of investors including Centerbridge Partners and affiliates of The Blackstone Group. Other noteworthy clients include Amazon.com and Intel.

Sources say: "Gibson Dunn is one of the most respected national firms - it has been very instrumental to our company over the years."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Based in Century City, the "outstanding" Jonathan Layne chairs the firm's M&A practice. He is described as a "talented and experienced" attorney who is "very willing and able to bring the right resources to his specialty." He has a strong profile in the financial services sector and recently represented Goldman Sachs as financial adviser to Beckman Coulter with respect to its $6.8 billion sale to Danaher.

In Palo Alto, Russell Hansen earns plaudits for his even-keeled approach. "He is in a different league from that perspective," clients comment. He represented Hewlett-Packard in its $1.2 billion acquisition of Palm.

Jennifer Bellah Maguire is "very well thought of for both her Californian and European work." She has a strong focus on funds transactions and recently advised Green Equity Investors on the restructuring and acquisition of Palm.

Los Angeles-based Bradford Weirick focuses on M&A, private equity and securities. Recent work highlights include representing Idealab! in the $640 million sale of Internet Brands to an affiliate of Hellman & Friedman Capital Partners. He cochairs the firm's emerging technologies group alongside Gregory Davidson in Palo Alto. 

Jeffrey Le Sage continues to impress both clients and peers. He acted on the $772 million merger of Ameron International with National Oilwell Varco and represented Bally Technologies in a $400 million modified Dutch tender offer.

Bruce Meyer is "technically very knowledgeable and very good at bringing a business sense to legal issues," say sources. He recently represented Aurora Capital Group in the formation of its fourth private equity fund. 

THE FIRM Goodwin Procter is recognized for the investment it has made in its venture capital practice; a number of lateral hires in its Silicon Valley office enhances its profile in this area. The firm also benefits from commendable M&A expertise in its San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles outposts and has a strong focus on technology and emerging growth companies.

Sources say: "An all-star team."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jonathan Axelrad specializes in venture capital fund formation. Sources say: "He is a master of fund formation - he knows this area inside out."

New entrant Anthony McCusker is recognized as an up-and-comer in Silicon Valley. Notable experience includes representing SayNow in its sale to Google and PSS Systems in its sale to IBM. As the cochair of the firm's technology companies group, he frequently handles venture capital transactions.

Hovey Kemp recently relocated to the firm's San Francisco office having forged a fine reputation in Washington D.C. He operates mainly within the private equity space and recently advised Element Partners on its recapitalization of FAB Holdings and Enviromech Industries under a new holding company, Agility Fuel Systems. Sources "think very highly of his skills," describing him as "an extremely competent individual."

THE FIRM Gunderson remains a powerful name in California, and is singled out for its leadership in the venture capital field and focus on emerging growth companies. The vibrant team has represented the likes of Etsy and Foursquare, and recently advised Pliant Technology on its $327 million acquisition by SanDisk. Another key deal for the firm was its representation of ITA Software in its $700 million acquisition by Google.

Sources say: "They have a very focused practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The experienced Scott Dettmer focuses on the representation of fast-growing private and public companies in the technology and life science industries. He acted for Clearwell Systems on its $410 million sale to Symantec. "He is very sharp, and we like to see him on the other side of transactions - clients like him," peers remark.

Steven Franklin is based in Silicon Valley and heads the firm's tax, venture capital and private equity fund groups. Clients view him as a "leading light - one of the principal lawyers we turn to." He recently represented Chinese travel search engine Qunar with respect to an investment by Baidu.

Firm chair Bob Gunderson advised Arresto Biosciences in its $225 million sale to Gilead Sciences and represented Aster Data Systems in its $263 million sale to Teradata.

THE FIRM Irell & Manella is rated for its corporate practice in Southern California and for its focus on IP law. It represented the majority owners of the NFL's St. Louis Rams in their sale of a controlling interest in the team, and represented telecom equipment maker CPI International in its $600 million sale to private equity fund Veritas Capital. The firm also has substantial expertise in transactions in the art and cultural property field.

Sources say: "Irell is a good middle market firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gregory Klein cochairs the corporate practice group.

THE FIRM Kirkland & Ellis is a dominant player in California, boasting one of the leading private equity departments in the region. It has significant depth statewide, with 55 private equity attorneys in Northern California alone. Notably, the San Francisco team acted for Golden Gate Capital and its affiliates with respect to the $2 billion acquisition of Lawson Software. Highlights for the team in Los Angeles include advising ENI Holdings on its sale of stock to KBR Group Holdings.

Sources say: "Kirkland & Ellis is the most prominent player in private equity."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Los Angeles-based John Weissenbach is the firm's key contact for private equity deals in Southern California. Sources say: "He's brilliant - he's got great commercial instincts and is an extremely skilled negotiator." He acted for Lovell Minnick on its acquisition of a minority stake in Matthews International Capital Management. 

David Breach is the founding partner of the firm's San Francisco corporate group and an increasingly visible member of the practice. "You always hear about David Breach," sources comment. Recent experience includes representing Vista Equity Partners in its $1 billion sale of Sunquest Information Systems to Huntsman Gay Global Capital.

THE FIRM Latham & Watkins is lauded for its long-standing presence in California. With offices across Northern and Southern California, the firm enjoys a strong reputation in all areas of the corporate domain including private equity and venture capital. Its Silicon Valley and San Francisco offices excel in the sphere of life sciences, while in Los Angeles the team is acclaimed as a major player in M&A. The firm advised on the $6.5 billion acquisition of National Semiconductor by Texas Instruments. Notably, it also acted for The Huffington Post with respect to the merger of its online business with AOL.

Sources say:  "I turn to Latham in almost every situation - I have built a lot of trust in them." "A fabulous corporate practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Christopher Kaufman is universally well respected in California for his corporate practice. Clients say he is "actively involved and extremely hands-on." He recently advised Merrill Lynch on the $4.3 billion acquisition by Western Digital of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies.

Orange County-based Charles Ruck is "very levelheaded, gets things done and always looks for solutions." Deal highlights include assisting JPMorgan Securities as adviser to Pfizer on its $360 million acquisition of King Pharmaceuticals.

In Los Angeles, the "outstanding" Paul Tosetti cochairs the firm's global M&A practice. He represented Beckman Coulter in its $6.8 billion acquisition by Danaher.

Alan Mendelson is "extremely proactive and very experienced - he's very smart and client service-oriented," say sources. One commentator enthused: "He is one of the most outstanding corporate M&A attorneys I know." Recent highlights include acting on the $885 million acquisition of ZymoGenetics by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Peter Kerman is a "fabulous lawyer" who is a "very good counselor with a deep level of experience." He advised Technology Crossover Ventures on a Series G preferred stock financing for Groupon.

Patrick Pohlen is the global cochair of the firm's emerging company practice, and focuses on both M&A and venture capital deals. Sources say he is "an exceptional guy with a very engaging personality." He recently acted for OpenTable on its acquisition of toptable.com.

Thomas Sadler represented Deutsche Bank as financial adviser to Stations Casinos. Sources say he is a "brilliant strategist - he is truly first-rate and a pleasure to work with."

Los Angeles-based Alex Voxman focuses on emerging companies work and is a strong player in the technology domain. He acted for Fresh Direct.com on a $50 million convertible preferred stock strategic investment.

Scott Haber is the office managing partner in San Francisco where he specializes in private equity work. He acted for Genstar Capital on its acquisition of MWI Holdings and advised Canon Communications, a portfolio company of Spectrum Equity Investors, on its sale to United Business Media.

THE FIRM This firm has a strong M&A bench in California. The corporate practice is based in Los Angeles, though the team also advises from Palo Alto and San Francisco. Of late, it has seen increased activity in the banking, healthcare and entertainment sectors. Highlights include advising Pacific Capital Bancorp in connection with a $500 million recapitalization transaction; other key clients include Bay Cities National Bank, Concord Music Group and Kindred Healthcare.

Sources say: "They stand out for their professionalism, sheer competence and knowledge."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Grinberg chairs the M&A practice. Los Angeles-based Gordon Bava is also a key contact.

THE FIRM This firm's Los Angeles corporate team focuses on both M&A and private equity transactions, and has enjoyed significant activity in the renewable energy space of late. It acted for Sharp on its $305 acquisition of San Francisco-based Recurrent Energy and advised SunPower with respect to a $450 million investment in the Central Valley Solar Ranch project. Private equity highlights include representing Oaktree Capital Management as a selling stockholder in the Spirit Airlines IPO.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Department head Kenneth Baronsky is recognized for his expertise in restructuring and insolvency law and for his unique experience in the gaming industry. Clients say: "Ken is great to work with - he's a great lawyer and a thinker who really sees the bigger picture."

THE FIRM This corporate team is rated for its representation of sellers, buyers and investors, investment and commercial banks, private equity and venture capital funds. In 2011 highlights included advising Autonomy on its $380 million acquisition of assets of Iron Mountain’s Digital Division and acting for Toyota on its $50 million investment joint alliance transaction with Tesla Motors.

Sources say: "We couldn't have done what we've done without them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Hartigan is highly regarded for his expertise in securities law. He advises on SEC enforcement, M&A and corporate finance and is described by one source as "one of the leading SEC lawyers in the USA."

THE FIRM Morrison & Foerster maintains its strong focus on the technology and life sciences sectors in California, and had a strong year across the state. Its Northern California offices were involved in several landmark deals with strong cross-border elements. Notably, the firm advised Intel on its $7.7 billion acquisition of McAfee and on the $1.4 billion acquisition of Infineon’s Wireless Solutions business. The team also represented Astellas Pharma in its $4 billion acquisition of OSI Pharmaceuticals. Highlights for the Los Angeles practice include acting for Cogent on its $943 million acquisition by 3M.

Sources say: "The corporate department at MoFo had a stellar year."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael O'Bryan led the Astellas Pharma deal, and also advised the special committee of 99 Cents Only Stores in evaluating a $1.4 billion proposal to acquire the company in a going private transaction. 

Robert Townsend cochairs the global M&A group and has a strong client base in both the USA and Asia. He was the lead attorney advising Intel on its acquisitions of both McAfee and Infineon.

Based in San Diego, Jay de Groot represented technology company SKINIT in its $60 million Series D financing.

In Palo Alto, Stephen Thau represented Baxano in its $30 million Series C preferred stock financing.

Gavin Grover advises from San Francisco, where he chairs the department alongside Townsend. His practice focuses on emerging companies transactions.

THE FIRM This 26-strong team is acclaimed for its deep bench and strong focus on M&A. It is well known for its representation of Berkshire Hathaway, and 2011 saw the firm represent this client in its $97 billion acquisition of Lubrizol. Notably, it also represented Hugh Hefner in taking Playboy Enterprises private. Other high-profile clients include Yahoo!, Edison International and Universal Music Group.

Sources say: "I think very highly of them - they have a consistent level of talent from junior to partner." "Solid, high-level quality."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The well-liked Robert Denham led the group on the abovementioned Lubrizol transaction, and also represented Berkshire in its merger agreement with Wesco Financial. "He is very highly regarded in the Los Angeles legal community," sources agree.

Robert Knauss is regarded as "a very solid M&A practitioner who can work through thorny issues with lot of clarity." He recently represented Air Lease in its $923 million IPO on the NYSE.

New to the tables this year, the up-and-coming Mary Ann Todd was involved in both the Lubrizol and Wesco deals, and also acted for 99 Cents Only Stores in its going private transaction. "She is very highly regarded within the firm - she is very knowledgeable and levelheaded," peers remark.

THE FIRM The corporate team at O'Melveny & Myers handles a vast array of transactional work out of its five offices in California. Recent highlights saw the team act for Western Digital on its $4.3 billion acquisition of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies and advise Conexant Systems on its sale to private equity sponsor Golden Gate Capital. Other notable clients include Warner Bros., Falck Danmark and Yahoo!.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Howard Chao divides his time between Menlo Park and Hong Kong, as a senior partner in the firm's Asia practice. Sources describe him as "a brand unto himself."

Sam Zucker is also rated for his focus on Asia, and serves as the cochair of O'Melveny's healthcare and life sciences practice. He splits his practice between California and New York.

Steven Tonsfeldt chairs the M&A team. He recently advised Yahoo! on its acquisitions of Associated Content and startup IntoNow.

THE FIRM Working closely with its emerging companies and venture capital practice, this firm has a strong M&A offering in the technology domain. The firm also focuses on the energy industries, and has notable experience advising on debt and capital markets transactions. It recently advised BrightSource Energy on its $250 million IPO. Other notable work includes representing The Gap in its $1.25 billion investment grade issue.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Mitchell Zuklie "is incredibly well versed in several disciplines," say clients. He stands out for his work on venture capital transactions, and recently advised Recurrent Energy on its $305 million acquisition by Sharp. One peer commented: "He is one of the top younger emerging companies lawyers."

Alan Talkington chairs the San Francisco corporate group. He acted for TC Pipelines on its acquisition of stakes in Gas Transmission Northwest and Bison Pipeline from TransCanada.

THE FIRM Paul Hastings's California M&A team handles transactions which span the electronics, engineering services and healthcare sectors. It has a strong presence statewide, with offices in Los Angeles, Palo Alto, San Diego, San Francisco and Orange County. Highlights of 2011 include advising Samsung with respect to its strategic alignment with Seagate Technology.

Sources say: "Paul Hastings is the best fit for our company across the board."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Private equity specialist William Simpson also handles M&A and venture capital transactions, and recently acted for the Linc Group on its sale to ABM Industries. One client described him as "head and shoulders above the rest." 

Carl Sanchez is the global head of the firm's corporate group. He advised the special committee of the board of directors of Trimeris in connection with a $275 million reverse merger transaction.

Robert Miller advised Jacobs Engineering Group on the $900 million acquisition of Oslo-listed Aker Solutions.

THE FIRM This corporate group is marked by clients for its responsiveness and business acumen. Notably, the firm acted for Atheros Communications on its $3.2 billion sale to Qualcomm. Other key clients include TriTech Holdings, AmeriGas and Bell Helicopter.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jorge del Calvo is the firm's leading name. Best known for his representation of emerging companies and venture funds, he recently represented startup Kaviza in its sale to Citrix Systems, and Techwell in its acquisition by Intersil.

THE FIRM Proskauer Rose is distinguished by the strength of its private equity practice in Southern California. Notably, the firm represented The Promenade Trust, the beneficiary of which is Lisa Marie Presley, with respect to the acquisition of CKx by Apollo Global Management. M&A highlights include representing Ares Management in its acquisition of GTEC; other key clients include The Gores Group and Stream Global Services.

Sources say: "An extremely robust practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Michael Woronoff is a "very, very skilled lawyer who brings a business mindset toward problem solving," sources say. One client added: "He works tirelessly and is always available, and has the ability to communicate complicated issues effectively - he's amazing."

The up-and-coming Monica Shilling co-heads the private equity practice. "She has a wonderful business and adversary manner - she is quite superb at what she does," sources enthuse. She advised The Milestone Aviation Group in connection with the sale of a $500 million equity interest to a large private equity firm.

THE FIRM With branches in both San Francisco and Palo Alto, this firm advises on a range of transactions in the automotive, financial services, technology and life sciences sectors, among others. Notable experience includes acting for Boston Scientific on the sale of its neurovascular business to Stryker. Other key clients include Visa, Vector Capital and Daimler.

KEY INDIVIDUALS San Francisco-based Steve Camahort focuses on M&A and corporate governance. He represented the Symphony Technology Group in its $165 million acquisition of Shopzilla from Scripps Networks Interactive and advised Visa on its $190 million acquisition of PlaySpan.

Mike Kennedy advised TPG Asia and CDH Inservice on their proposed $950 million acquisition of CNinsure. He also worked alongside Michael Dorf as counsel to Sybase with respect to its $5.8 billion acquisition by SAP America.

THE FIRM This firm represents a range of public and private companies in their M&A activities in the financial services, healthcare and technology sectors and is singled out for its corporate entertainment practice. The team focuses largely on midmarket transactions, and also has significant experience in venture capital financings.

Sources say: "The lawyers are extremely diligent and friendly. What makes a huge difference is that they really care about our company."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Los Angeles-based Lawrence Braun is regarded as a "smart, practical and very capable" attorney. Recent highlights include his representation of Applied Computer Solutions in its sale of assets to ACS Holdings.

David Sands has a strong practice in the financial services and media domains, and has been involved in several transactions in the reality TV industry. He acted for Endemol USA, an independent producer of reality and unscripted television, on its acquisition of a controlling stake in Authentic Entertainment.

THE FIRM This firm handles a range of public and private M&A transactions, as well as private equity and venture capital deals. Recent highlights include advising the W.K. Kellogg Foundation on its investments in Revolution Foods and Wireless Generation. Other notable clients include Fuji Media Holdings and Fortress Investment Group.

Sources say: "Quality service at effective rates."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Moshe Kupietzky heads the Los Angeles corporate and finance practice group. Notably, he represented Fortress Investment Group in its purchase of a minority equity position in Legendary Pictures.

Sharon Flanagan is the managing partner of the firm’s San Francisco office. She acted for PayPal on its pending $240 million acquisition of Zong, a Swiss mobile payments provider. "She's fantastic," clients comment.

THE FIRM Simpson Thacher is recognized for its dominant footprint in private equity in California. In 2011 the firm acted for Silver Lake on its acquisition of SMART Modular Technologies and for Activant Solutions with respect to its acquisition by funds controlled by Apax Partners. The corporate department also handled a series of high-profile M&A deals; for example, it represented the financial advisers to 3com with respect to its acquisition by Hewlett-Packard. The firm also advised AOL on its acquisitions of TheHuffingtonPost.com and about.me.

Sources say: "I would highly recommend this group for a complex transaction as it brings the strength of the firm to the table."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Richard Capelouto is the head of the Palo Alto office and is widely regarded as a leading attorney in private equity. One peer enthused: "He is the most recognized private equity practitioner from any firm on the West Coast." He recently represented Silver Lake in connection with Virtu Financial's acquisition of Madison Tyler.

THE FIRM Skadden remains one of California's best-known corporate players, advising on a broad range of high-profile and complex transactions. The department is praised for its deep bench and command of M&A, private equity and corporate finance work. Highlights include advising Goldman Sachs as financial adviser to Intel with respect to its $7.7 billion acquisition of McAfee and acting for Advantest on its $1.1 billion acquisition of Verigy. The firm also represented a group of private equity investors in the establishment of AloStar Bank of Commerce and in its subsequent assumption of the deposits of Nexity Bank.

Sources say: "We've worked with them for many years because they handle complex and cross-border situations. Skadden is a first-rate, world-class law firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Star performer Brian McCarthy is "effective, experienced and very practical," say sources. He recently advised Nationwide Health Properties on its $7.4 billion acquisition by Ventas and represented the special committee of the board of directors of Wesco Financial in its $548 million merger with Berkshire Hathaway.

Kenton King is the global co-head of the firmwide corporate transactions practice. He frequently leads on key deals, including the aforementioned Advantest and Goldman Sachs matters. He garners much praise from market sources, who say: "He's amazing - he makes you feel as if you're his only client."

Los Angeles group head Jeffrey Cohen focuses on both private equity and M&A work. A highlight of 2011 was acting for Oaktree Capital Management on its common stock investment in First BanCorp; he has also represented the likes of American Apparel, OPI Products and Pierre Foods.

In Palo Alto, Amr Razzak represented Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in its $4.3 billion acquisition by Western Digital. He also acted for Goldman Sachs in connection with Zoran's $679 million sale to CSR. Clients view him as "a very capable, thoughtful lawyer who provides great analysis." 

Michael Gisser leads the firm's Asia-Pacific practice and is noted for his substantial cross-border expertise. He recently advised a fund based in South Korea on its $100 million investment in a US company developing oil and gas properties in Texas, and acted for Joltid in connection with Microsoft's acquisition of Skype. He also counts the chairman of Harbin Electric and the CEO of Chemspec among his significant international client list.

Leif King represented Merrill Lynch as financial adviser to Visa in its $190 acquisition of PlaySpan. He was also part of the corporate team representing the special committee of the board of directors of Gymboree in its $1.8 billion acquisition by Bain Capital Partners.

THE FIRM Sullivan & Cromwell is highly regarded in Southern California, and the firm's Los Angeles office had a very strong year. The corporate team was involved in a number of high-value, market-leading transactions. For example, it acted for AT&T on its proposed $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA and represented Bucyrus International in its $8.6 billion acquisition by Caterpillar. Other notable clients include Chrysler, Occidental Petroleum and Ares Capital.

Sources say: "The firm is one of the oldest and most established corporate law firms in this area."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very smart and talented" Alison Ressler rises through the ranks, with sources acknowledging her "terrific reputation in strategic M&A." She represented Skype Global and Silver Lake Partners in connection with the $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype by Microsoft.

THE FIRM This national firm remains a competitor in the California market. The Silicon Valley-based corporate M&A team works closely with the firm's IP and bankruptcy groups, and represents the likes of Apple, The Gores Group and Getty Images. Notably, it represented Apple in connection with the acquisition of Nortel's IP assets. The team also handles venture capital and private equity work.  

KEY INDIVIDUALS Craig Adas earns praise for his "total client-oriented mentality." He represented Maxim Integrated Products in connection with its acquisition of Edinburgh-based Calvatec.

Kyle Krpata led the Weil team in its representation of Apple in the Nortel patent portfolio sale. He also advised Apple on its $450 million purchase of assets from Novell.

Adding substantially to the firm's capability in this area is a new team from Dewey & LeBoeuf. Richard Climan is lauded for his "cutting-edge knowledge and up-to-date advice," with one client adding: "He makes a real effort." Keith Flaum has had a dynamic year and currently serves as the vice chair of the M&A committee of the ABA's section of business law. "He is a tremendous M&A lawyer," commentators note. Sources describe Jane Ross as an "outstanding, rising star."

THE FIRM This eminent Silicon Valley firm advises on all aspects of corporate law including venture capital, private equity and M&A. In 2011 highlights, the team acted for Total on its $1.3 billion acquisition of SunCorp and for Epicor on its $2 billion sale to Apax Partners. The firm also acted for McAfee on its $7.7 billion sale to Intel. Its impressive client list also includes Oak Hill Capital, Tesla Motors, Williams-Sonoma and LinkedIn.  

Sources say: "Wilson Sonsini is historically the biggest player in this field." "The strongest in the venture capital market."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Founding partner Larry Sonsini is widely respected for the breadth and the depth of his experience in this jurisdiction. He has been described as "the godfather of Silicon Valley" and "a dominant lawyer in a class of his own - a true expert and adviser." He acted for Total and for Seagate Technology on the $1.3 billion acquisition of Samsung’s HDD operations.

Martin Korman leads the firm's M&A practice. He represented Electronic Arts in its $750 million acquisition of PopCap Games and also represented Oak Hill Capital in its acquisition of Intermedia. Sources say he is "an M&A powerhouse." 

Jeff Saper is a "terrific funds lawyer" who specializes in venture capital and cross-border M&A. He acted for Blade Network Technologies in its sale to IBM. 

Martin Waters is a "big player in San Diego" who has a strong practice representing venture-backed companies in the technology space. One client enthused: "Martin is a very astute deal-maker - he totally understands how to build relationships. He has proved invaluable - I will never switch law firms as long as he runs that office."

In Palo Alto, Steven Bochner serves as the firm's CEO and enjoys a strong reputation for his work on venture capital and public offering transactions.

Bob Latta is also based in Palo Alto, where he has a "specialty in electronic design software and has a very, very great reputation among folks in that sector."

Venture capital specialist Casey McGlynn is described by clients as a "guru in the medical device area."

Michael Ringler is named by sources as "a fine technical lawyer" in the M&A space.